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Sunday Times 21 Jan 2007
3 letters

BUSINESS DEMANDS ONE:

An increase in infrastructure at Dublin airport, while accessibility decreases daily, makes no sense. Multinational companies such as Intel, Wyeth and IAWS would appreciate a second airport - at present it takes them two to three hours to access Dublin airport. A logistic hub generated by a second airport would also enhance the borders, midlands and western region.

Angela Lawton, Portmarnock

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FOG FACTOR:

I'm not at all sure about Michael O'Leary's argument that an airport in the midlands would not be practical because of fog. He recommends use of Knock, which is hardly fog-free, and neither is Collinstown.

The best site is probably to the southwest, rather than towards Mullingar. Obviously, climate would be one of the factors to be taken into account in choosing an alternative site. Fortunately Bord na Mona has land all over the place.

I do not disagree that there is physically plenty of room at Dublin airport. However, room to expand does not mean it is a good idea. Is it economical to do so given the value of that land? If a pub or a petrol station has room to grow, does that mean they should, even though their site value dictates apartments should be built instead?

The National Roads Authority already objects to the 11,000 cars per day maximum, that Ikea will generate on the M50, but 60m passengers at Dublin airport mean an extra 70,000 cars per day on the M50/M1. Even if there were room to expand inside Dublin airport, there is no road-room outside for that expansion.

Matt Harley, Portmarnock, Co Dublin

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Baldonnell is airport solution

I WAS interested to read about the idea of a second airport to relieve the crisis at Collinstown, (Will it fly? Focus, last week). I am not certain that there is enough international flight movement in and out of Dublin to justify two airports.

My idea would be to use Baldonnell, with all its spare land, as a "park, check-in and ride" satellite. Baldonnell has the potential to soak up all airport traffic from the south and the midlands, together with passengers from Dublin's nearby suburbs. This would ease the congestion on the M50 and take the strain off the airport itself. The objective should be to keep as many cars and non-travelling friends and relations away from the terminals as possible, freeing up invaluable land that is currently given over to long-term parking. Journey time between Dublin and Baldonnell would be 12-15 minutes, nonstop.

Chambers of Commerce in Kildare, Carlow, Offaly and Kilkenny are
enthusiastic about my idea, as they see potential inward investors being encouraged by being able to miss out the M50.

As all those who checked in at Baldonnell would go straight through to departures when they arrive off the train at Dublin airport, the overcrowding of the check-in concourse at Dublin would also be greatly reduced.

Jonathan Irwin, Ballitore, Co Kildare